How can I improve my indoor air quality? By regularly testing your indoor air quality you can help to protect yourself, your family, and your entire home. There are many different methods to doing this from simple, free-home tests to more expensive professional air quality testing services. Let's take a look at indoor air quality testing kits and how they can improve your life.
How can I test my indoor air quality? There are many different home testing methods available, but most involve the use of a formaldehyde detector or a gas gauge. These devices are inexpensive and can be purchased online or at a local hardware or department store. One form of home testing that is quite popular is the "gas test" which involves filling a small, non-reactive test bottle with tap water and attaching a sensor to the faucet or other indoor air quality testing device. When the water turns color or changes odor, it is an indicator that the sample has formaldehyde in it.
Another type of indoor air quality testing kit is called an "HAP". This stands for "hazard analysis and corrective action". It is a relatively new method and not commonly used, but many companies offer both forms of these products. The HAP kit is used to measure volatile organic compounds, which are commonly known as VOCs and are considered to be some of the most common pollutants in residential homes.
The final type of indoor air quality testing product is called a "microflora growth kit". The microflora growth kit works best for testing for certain types of contaminants. These include but are not limited to: microbial, airborne, chemical, and parasitic air pollutants. Although, this type of kit can generally detect most types of air pollutants, it is not sensitive enough to accurately determine the presence of specific types of contaminants.
Indoor air quality testing kits are designed to detect specific types of pollutants in your home. In order to perform this type of testing, professionals must identify the exact chemical or biological pollutant that is present in your home. They must then determine the concentration of that pollutant in your air by using a high tech, multi-level laboratory system. Once the concentration is determined, the amount of that pollutant in the air can be determined.
The two types of indoor air quality testing kits that are available to identify specific air pollutants in your home include carbon monoxide sensors and radon sensors. Carbon monoxide and radon gases are the two leading causes of lung cancer. Both of these gases can escape from unused appliances, building materials, and soil that can be hazardous to your health. A carbon monoxide sensor will detect levels of this gas that have accumulated inside your home and will alert you to the problem.
Indoor air quality testing kits for detecting radon will allow you to test for the presence of this dangerous carcinogen. Radon enters our homes through the ventilation system and is absorbed by your soft tissue as well as your bones. This type of cancer can lead to long-term lung cancer and even lung infection if the levels are not detected. Short-term test kits for detecting radon will allow you to check for the levels in your home while you are waiting for radon testing results.
Many homeowners have no idea how important it is to maintain a comfortable indoor air quality. While it may seem like we all spend plenty of time indoors, the air outside can carry dangerous contaminants that can cause serious health problems. It is important to remember that many illnesses such as allergies and asthma can be traced back to breathing in pollutants. If you or a member of your household has recently suffered from an illness, it is important to take steps to ensure the illness did not spread due to poor indoor air quality. Short-term testing kits for detecting contaminants can help you find the source of dangerous pollution and eliminate it from your home.